Dying In a Corner

                No matter how many times I have tried, I have never been able to keep a house plant for more than a few weeks. Each time I choose a plant to liven up a dark corner of the room, it always seems to die. I have tried flowers, bamboo, cacti, and others but my thumbs have yet to turn green from the experience. In frustration, I finally asked my husband why he was able to keep his plant alive and each time I brought home a new plant it died. He responded gently with the idea that I do not give my plants what they need: light and water. “What is the point of a house plant if you cannot put it in a dark corner to brighten up the room?” I ask in my stubborn nature after realizing my elementary mistake. He has responded by bringing home freshly cut flowers as often as he can.

                This is a silly quirk of my personality which assumes that I can will a plant to stay alive by my persistent good nature and intentions and demonstrates what is often done in ones spiritual life. 1 John is a letter designed to remind its readers to live their lives according to the faith which they have pledged themselves to. It seems like a very simply message: “Love others” but sill the early church needed reminding of this. We have similarly forgotten this basic and essential component to our spiritual survival and I will give you evidence of this. A large majority people who regularly attend church in our culture have never shared their faith with one of their friends. For some people this is because they have no one in their lives who does not know Christ while others simply do not have the relationship or boldness with which they could share their faith openly. In both of these cases we suffocate our spirituality and begin to slowly die. We may last a few weeks hiding in our dark corner, but without sharing our faith we are robbing ourselves of something that is essential for our survival.

                Am I actively seeking to develop relationships in which I could share the gospel? Am I praying for these types of relationships to come into my life? What hinders my heart from wanting to share the love of Christ? The most loving thing you can do for another person is introduce them to their Creator.

                Lord, forgive me for keeping myself from this great task you have entrusted me with. Help me to learn how to introduce others to You. Please bring others into my life who need to know You and help me to develop a relationship with them in which I could talk about You. Amen.